10 Best Independent Living Communities in Greenville, SC

Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance typically don’t cover the cost of independent living. That’s because independent living isn’t the same as a senior care facility, such as assisted living or long-term care. However, necessary in-home health care services might be covered.

Here, we’ll dive into detail about private pay options, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources that can help independent living residents cover costs associated with independent living.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for the licensing, regulating, and inspecting of long-term care facilities in the state. Stand-alone independent living facilities aren’t subject to DHEC regulations because they don’t provide care, but facilities combined with assisted living or memory care are. However, if a senior in a stand-alone independent living facility is receiving care from a home health agency or an independent in-home care provider, they must be licensed by the state.^[10,11]

State licensing regulations for assisted living facilities include (but aren’t limited to) the following:^[12]

• Guidance for staffing levels and training requirements
• Required reporting of accidents
• Record maintenance rules
• Safety precautions
• Transportation and recreation guidance
• Medication management
• Meal service
• Emergency preparedness
• Infection control
• Maintenance and construction requirements

Unannounced routine inspections, as well as those triggered by a complaint, are also part of the licensing requirements for long-term care facilities in Greenville. By conducting these surprise inspections, the DHEC is checking to make sure facilities are following the guidelines and laws discussed above. As a general rule, facilities are inspected at least annually. Inspection reports are available to the public by contacting DHEC at (803) 898-0163.^[12]

Senior Protections

South Carolina has a Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. South Carolina’s Omnibus Adult Protection Act protects seniors from neglect and abuse. This law defines the responsibilities of state agencies, including the long-term care ombudsman, to investigate complaints and protect vulnerable adults.

Independent living communities in South Carolina adhere to minimum age requirements (generally 55 and above).

General Property Inspections

Greenville properties can be inspected by the city of Greenville’s Code Enforcement Division or the Greenville County Building Codes Enforcement Division. There’s no required cadence for inspections. If you would like to access an inspection report from the City of Greenville’s Code Enforcement Division, you may contact the office directly or submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Greenville’s legal department.^[13] You can request an inspection report from the Greenville County Building Codes Enforcement Division by submitting a FOIA request to the Greenville county legal department or contacting them directly. A fee might be charged to obtain a copy of a report.^[14]

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Greenville independent living communities

There are no mandated COVID-19 regulations for standalone independent living communities in Greenville. However, for the facilities combined with any long-term care, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control expects COVID-19 prevention tactics to be in place, such as frequent disinfecting, instructional signage, and staff testing. You can view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) latest COVID-19 guidelines for the most up-to-date recommendations. Local recommendations include the following:

There are six highly rated options for independent living close to Greenville’s vibrant downtown area.

Independent living options in Greenville

There are two independent living facilities that also offer assisted living and memory care on the same premises. These are ideal options for seniors who are looking to seamlessly age in place. But if you prefer a standalone independent living option, there are four in-network options within 10 miles of the city center.^[01]

Nearby and on-site entertainment in Greenville

There is no shortage of options for finding ways to stay entertained and make friends in Greenville. All of the independent living facilities include both indoor and outdoor common areas, as well as game rooms, for plenty of opportunities to socialize. Movie or theater rooms and billiard lounges are available in 83% of the facilities. Half of the facilities offer an arts-and-crafts center, and you can enjoy private dining rooms at 67% of facilities.^[01]

Independent living services and amenities in Greenville

A lot of conveniences are also available in many of the Greenville independent living facilities. Access to a haircut won’t be hard to come by because all of them have on-site beauty salons, and 83% offer barber shops. All residents have access to a library and high-speed internet, while 83% are offered a computer or media center, too. If you like to stay in shape or need somewhere to work on physical therapy exercises, fitness centers are offered at 83% of the facilities. You can even find a pool at 17% of the facilities.

Most places have showers only, but you can find bathtubs at 33% of the independent living facilities in our network. You might have access to a private patio, deck, or balcony at one-third of our facilities, but you won’t find a lot of covered parking.

If you have a furry friend in your life, you’ll be glad to know that 83% of the facilities allow residents to have cats and dogs.

Independent living in the surrounding Greenville suburbs

A couple more independent living options are available if you don’t mind going a little further from the city center. Within a 25-mile radius of downtown, two more facilities with a combination of independent living/assisted living/memory care can be found. There’s also an independent living/assisted living combo available.

Health care for seniors in Greenville

The Upstate is the northwestern corner of South Carolina that encompasses 10 counties. Greenville is the largest city within the Upstate. In Greenville, two of the biggest employers are Prisma Health and Bon Secours, which means access to health care is plentiful.^[17]

Transportation for seniors in Greenville

The best way to get around Greenville is by car. While downtown is a walkable area, the city doesn’t rank high for overall walkability.^[20] The same holds true for biking. With the exception of downtown, there are not a lot of bike lanes throughout Greenville.

There are some public transportation options, though. Greenville’s public transit, Greenlink, has 11 fixed routes countywide. If you want to mix it up, you can ride your bike in combination with taking the bus. Bike racks are a feature on all Greenlink buses, as well as wheelchair accessibility. Additionally, downtown offers a free trolley.

Moreover, Senior Solutions, a local senior center, has dozens of vans available for seniors across the Upstate region. This service can be used for things like getting to medical appointments, grocery shopping trips, or beauty salon appointments.

Walk Score has rated Greenville on its walkability, bike-ability, and local transit. This value is based on public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and other factors. For the most part, getting around in Greenville will require a car.

Senior activities in Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina, is a wondrous city beaming with natural beauty and an abundance of family-friendly activities. Check out a few top options, according to Greenville’s Visitor Center and Greenville County Rec.^[21,22]

Outdoor recreation

The Blue Ridge Mountains, lakes, and waterfalls are just a few of nature’s blessings you can enjoy in the Greenville area. The natural beauty of Greenville begins in its downtown area, which centers around Falls Park on the Reedy. The park features natural waterfalls and an enormous suspension bridge from which to take in the views. While you’re there, consider taking in the sights on a Segway tour or renting an electric bike for a guided tour. Take a stroll on the 23-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail or head down the main street and look for the Mice on Main. These nine bronze statues were inspired by the children’s classic “Goodnight Moon.”

Local festivities

If you enjoy local celebrations, Greenville has five signature events. The annual art festival, Artisphere, is held each spring along with the Scottish festival, Gallabrae. In the summer, golf fans can enjoy the BMW charity Pro-Am tournament, while Fall for Greenville is the signature fall event. Foodies look forward to Euphoria, which highlights the area’s culinary delights. Greenville County Parks and Recreation has tons more fun things to do, from gardening classes to pickleball tournaments.

Museums and cultural exploration

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to check out the Upcountry History Museum, which offers senior discounts. The Greenville area has 13 African-American cultural sites to visit, and Museum & Gallery features European Old Master paintings. Take in some performing arts at The Peace Center, and swing by the Greenville Zoo for a fun afternoon.